[This performance was dedicated to the memory of Anton Seidl, who died 3/28/98.]

There were two special gala performances this season.

Review in The New York Times:

An extra operatic performance was given at the Metropolitan Opera House last night in honor of the memory of Anton Seidl, the eminent conductor, who died last year. The programme was made up of parts of operas which Mr. Seidl formerly conducted with great skill, and this arrangement enabled a goodly number of the artists of the present company to volunteer their services. The audience was very large, and it was stated that the receipts amounted to $16,508. This amount is to be invested for the benefit of the conductor's widow, and after her death will go to found a free scholarship in music in Columbia University. Portraits of Mr. Seidl were hung in the foyer and over the stage last night, but otherwise there was no attempt to make the occasion one of especial pictorial effect.